In this episode of Grow and Learn, Zorina Dimitrova speaks with Robert G. Checchia, CFA, CFO of Benzinga, about the changing rules of investment, financial information and business growth. Robert explains why investors are moving away from speculative ideas and increasingly looking for revenue, EBITDA, recurring income and cash-producing assets. For founders, the message is clear: an MVP, a presentation or simply adding AI to a business concept may no longer be enough to attract capital. Investors increasingly want evidence that a company can generate sustainable commercial value. The conversation also explores the wider forces shaping global capital markets. Robert shares his perspective on the Japanese carry trade, demand for U.S. Treasury bonds, market volatility, the relationship between Bitcoin and equities, and where liquidity may move as investors become more selective. Robert also takes us inside Benzinga’s transformation from a financial publisher into a data- and technology-driven financial information company. He discusses Benzinga’s expansion across Europe and Asia, the rise of private-market and prediction-market coverage, and the transition from traditional SEO towards generative engine optimisation, or GEO. The episode examines: • Why capital is shifting towards cash-generating companies and productive assets • What founders now need to demonstrate when raising investment • Why private equity firms are holding portfolio companies for longer • The potential impact of the Japanese carry trade on global markets • Whether Bitcoin can eventually decouple from equity markets • How Benzinga combines AI, data science and human financial journalism • Why the modern CFO increasingly operates across the entire business • The difference between analysing a business and being accountable for execution Robert G. Checchia is a CFA charterholder and, at the time of recording, CFO of Benzinga. His experience spans corporate finance, M&A, private equity-backed companies, financial transformation and operational leadership. Subscribe to Grow and Learn for conversations with investors, CFOs, founders and capital providers about how companies raise capital, build value and navigate changing markets. This conversation is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. 📺 Take a peek at our curated playlist THE CAPITAL PLAYBOOK https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTJlaeHk03J3Csa1jytu1X1JKyZ_6qTQb 🚀 Explore Strategic Growth & Investment-Ready Opportunities with Grownlearn Grownlearn, led by Zorina Dimitrova, connects select VCs, Family Offices, and Strategic Investors with precisely matched high-growth ventures across Europe and the U.S. We also support founders with strategic growth advisory — helping you transform your business model, increase valuation, and prepare for investment or exit. 📌 Want Curated Investment Deals? 👉 Book Your Private Briefing: https://grownlearn.org/ 🎧 Listen to the Grownlearn Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/grownlearn/id1515759956 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1bUIDGbSQl4BlHeNeeJfva Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grownlearn All platforms: https://grownlearn.onpodium.com/ 📲 Follow Us on Social Media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grownlearn X (Twitter): https://x.com/grownlearn1729 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healnlearn_grownlearn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healnlearn_grownlearn/ 📈 Tools for Investors & Founders Tax Optimization for Real Estate Investors: https://mavencostseg.referralrock.com/l/ZORINA/ FREE LinkedIn Profile Audit: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/r5wgf AI-Powered Lead Generation for Dealmakers: https://ps.linkedvanow.com/tjnia9mrkt85

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